Huntingdon County PA USGenWeb Project - St. Mary's Church, Cromwell Township

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St. Mary's Catholic Church

Shade Valley, Cromwell Township

Information for this web page was taken from the Sesqui-Centennial of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Shade Valley, Pennsylvania 1798-1948.

A Brief History of St. Mary's Catholic Church

There is some doubt about the actual year in which St. Mary's Catholic Church was built. According to Rev. Francis Reed Hoy in his "Mountain Comment" (September 28, 1947), he has an item from "The Pittsburgh Catholic" (September 11, 1947) that says: "The dedication of St. Mary's Catholic Church there (Shade Valley) by Bishop Michael O'Conner of Pittsburgh, was held September 1847.

Taken from the paper's files of a century ago, the notice seems to clarify a debated point regarding the erection of the little stone church which serves the congregation to the present day. The late Rev. John A. Kerkoska, pastor of Mt. Union, (1922-1942), reported in the Cathedral dedication volume that the church had been built in 1840, though the more or less official lists of parishes and pastors of the diocese carried in "The Register" of March 18, 1945, set 1848 as the time of the founding of the church.

The Catholic item also quotes that a "Catholic colony has existed there for 60 years, with Mass offered occasionally in private homes." That goes back to 1787, the year the federal constitution was drawn up in Philadelphia, two years before George Washington was inaugurated President, and 22 years before Prince Gallitzin became the first resident pastor of the diocese.

Bishop O'Connor, a well educated man, showed his knowledge of Latin by giving the new church the title of "Our Lady of Vallambrosa" (Literal translation of Shade Valley), but we have never heard it called anything but St. Mary's.

Since 1787, Shade Valley has been in Huntingdon County, PA.

The following history of St. Mary's was written May 26, 1948 by Father John Canova, of St. John the Baptist Church, Monaca, Pennsylvania: "It is very hard to reconstrue the history of Shade Valley as documents and facts are lacking. Tradition has it that a small number of Catholics settled there between 1790 and 1800. The turmoil then existing further West (?) in the Catholic settlement of Sportman's Hall - now St. Vincent's, Latrobe have restrained them from joining that group. This may equally be said of the other settlers who remained at Frankstown, Sinking Valley and others. You may rightly claim that Shade Valley is, after Sportsman Hall, at least, contemperaneous with Sugar Creek, Waynesburg, etc. in the present Pittsburgh Diocese. It may also be true that Prince Gallitzin visited the place from Tanneytown in 1796 and afterwards on his occasional journeys from Loretto to Baltimore. It has been said that the Archbishop Hughes preached there when but a deacon."

We are certain that in 1820, Rev. Thomas Heyden was sent to the Bedford Mission, of which Shade Valley was one being visited once a month, or once every two months. Perhaps Father John O'Reilly attended it for a while in 1831 from Newry and Father Bradley from Huntingdon after 1835. A diocesan document of 1839 seems to indicate that Father Heyden was asked to take charge again of Shade Valley. A note in Bishop Kendrick's diary tells us: "July the seventh day (1842) I confirmed sixteen in a place called Shade Valley in Huntingdon County . . . Eighteen Catholic families are living in the vicinity. Rev. J. A. Miller visits them four times a year." This priest must have taken care of the place for a short time. According to the Catholic Directories, Shade Valley was again attended by Father Heyden from 1846 to 1848; then from Path Valley 1849-1850; from Hollidaysburg by Father Thomas Farrel 1851-1853; then from Huntingdon 1854-1884 by Father P. Doyle 1855-1860, Father T. Wall 1863-1864, Father O'Gallagher in 1865, etc. According to some authority the small stone church was built by Father Heyden about 1848.

For the Pittsburgh Catholic - Shade Valley, PA, Tuesday, September 9, 1845.

Mr. Editor - As the Progress of our Religion brings joy to the bosoms of our Catholic Brethren, it will be most gratifying for them to learn that on Sunday, August 31st the Corner Stone of a new church was laid (with the Bishop's permission) by Rev. John C. Brady in Shade Valley, Huntingdon County. A ceremony so novel in this part of the county and a desire of hearing the Reverend Clergy man who officiated and preached, brought a large concourse of people together. The day was beautiful, everything in fact, conspired to make it a day of happiness to the Catholics of Shade Valley. It is now 58 years since the first Catholic Missionary visited this place. At that time there were only two or three Catholic families located here. Since they have increased, amounting to 23 families at present. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass was offered, during the above period beneath the roof of a humble dwelling. We looked forward with hope to the day when the first Stone of a Church would be laid, and on last Sunday that hope was realized. After the ceremony of laying the corner stone was performed, Rev. Brady ascended a platform erected for the occasion and taking his text from the 11th Chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews, 6th verse "But without Faith it is impossible to please God." He proved in the most clear, forcible, and eloquent manner, that faith was ours, and without our faith, it was impossible to please God, except a person through invincible ignorance. He was listened to throughout with marked attention, and it is to be hoped his eloquent discourse made favorable impressions upon the minds of his hearers. Our Church, I trust, will be ready for Consecration next summer and then we shall have the happiness of Worshipping God is his holy temple.

M.L.

Editor's Note - Since the Logans lived next to the present church and Mass was said in their home, my guess is that Mary Logan wrote the above letter.

Family Histories

In this section of the book a description of several of the early families of the Parish is presented. Some of the prominent families listed are Logan, Laird, Hegie, McMath, Crouse, Starr, McMullen, Krugh, and McGarvey. Send me e-mail if you are interested in more about these families.

Names found in the Present St. Mary's Cemetery

Samuel Adams. Died October 22, 1886. Aged 63 yrs., 9 mo., 27 days.

Mary M. Daughter of S. and M. J. Adams. Died December 21, 1879. Aged 13 yrs. 19 days.

Mary J. Wife of Samuel Adams. Died September 25, 1874. Aged 42 yrs., 8 mo., and 26 days.

Thomas S. Son of S. and M. J. Adams. Died July 27, 1862. Aged 1 yr., 2 mo., and 12 days.

David McG. Son of S. and M.J. Adams. Died July 25, 1859. Aged 8 mo. and 27 days.

Nancy H. Malone. Died January 16, 1888. Aged 44 yrs., 10 mo., and 11 days.

Mother - Catharine A. Malone. Died December 19, 1884. Aged 82 yrs., 2 mo., and 7 days.

William Malone. Died December 26, 1852. Aged 64 years.

Martha. Wife of J.S. McKinstry. Died December 26, 1870. Aged 35 yrs., 3 mo., and 7 days.

Joseph W. Fogal. Born January 8, 1835. Died May 24, 1901.

Laura P. Fogal. Born January 24, 1835. Died July 21, 1904.

Michael Fogal. Died February 17, 1859. Aged 78 yrs. and 3 days.

Mary A. Daughter of M. and J. Fogal. Died June 12, 1855. Aged 17 yrs., 9 mo. and 16 days.

Philip. Son of M. and J. Fogal. Died March 27, 1857. Aged 5 yrs., 5 mo. and 20 days.

Catherine. Daughter of M. and J. Fogal. Died April 3, 1857. Aged 10 yrs., 11 mo. and 23 days.

Dominic. Son of M. and J. Fogal. Died April 9, 1857. Aged 7 yrs., 10 mo. and 27 days.

Anna M. Daughter of M. and J. Fogal. Died April 24, 1857. Aged 1 yr., 8 mo. and 24 days.

William Logan. Died February 10, 1858. Aged 35 yrs., 6 mo. and 8 days.

Eleanor. Wife of William A. Logan. Died September 25, 1864. Aged 40 years.

Mary A. Daughter of Eleanor and William Logan. Died March 11, 1857 aged 4 mo. and 11 days.

William. Son of Eleanor and William Logan. Died June 6, 1863. Aged 9 yrs., 9 mo. and 11 days.

Ellie. Daughter of Eleanor and William Logan. Died August 14, 1867. Aged 14 yrs., 11 mo. and 20 days.

William A. Son of William A. and Elenaor Logan. Died May 28, 1869. Aged 22 yrs., 9 mo and 2 days.

McGOWAN

William S. 1838-1916
Susan 1839-1887
Jane Roach 1860-1939
Elizabeth J. 1849-1927
John C. 1864-19??
William Jr. 1865-19??

Michael Krugh. Died February 20, 1889. Aged 81 yrs., 5 mo., and 25 days.

Anna Mary. Wife of Michael Krugh. Died June 6, 1859. Aged 50 yrs, 2 mo. and 24 days.

Ellen. Wife of Michael Krugh. Died December 5, 1881.

Jacob M. Krugh. Born December 20, 1849. Died December 8, 1890.

Infant son of A. and E. Krugh. Died May 22, 1869. Aged 2 mo. and 5 days.

Catherine A. Krugh. September 21, 1840. February 3, 1899.

Martha J. Krugh. 1849-1925.

Parisse Cupillari. May 3, 1879 - August 4, 1947. Father

Elena Cupillari. October 3, 1882. Mother

STARR

Nancy Rebecca 1867-1918
Simon Starr 1863-1941
Charles V. 1887-1914
Samuel E. 1908-1909
Leo M. 1894-1894
Jacob Starr 1835-1905
Mary Starr 1839-1925
Emma T. and Hannah J. children of Jacob and Mary Starr. Born February 28, 1864. Aged 1 mo.
Margaret Mary McMullen 1943. Daughter of Jacob and Julia McMullen.

McMULLEN

Albert McMullen 1851-1935
Agnes McMullen 1848-1933
Mary McMullen. Wife of G.W. Gilliland. 1872-1910.
Samuel S. McMullen. Died March 25, 1896. Aged 61 yrs.
Sarah Hegie. Wife of Samuel McMullen. Died March 25, 1896. Aged 87 yrs., 7 mo. and 29 days.
Joseph Hegie. Died July 5, 1864. Aged 51 yrs., 7 mo. and 6 days.
Elizabeth Runk, his wife. Died April 20, 1904. Aged 86 yrs., 3 mo. and 20 days.
Miss Julia Anne Hegie. Died May 22, 1898. Aged 87 yrs., 8 mo. and 15 days.
Hannah Hegie Jones. Born March 2, 1800. Died February 15, 1866.
Catherine Hegie. Died December 22, 1884. Aged 91 yrs., 11 mo. and 17 days.
Andrew Hegie. Born March 29, 1802. Died November 21, 1889.
Elizabeth Hegie. Born April 25, 1805. Died September 30, 1890.
Abram Hegie. Died September 8, 1923. Aged 76 years.
Mary Hegie Runk. December 4, 1849. June 18, 1926.
Jacob Hegie. Died March 1, 1885. Aged 91 yrs., 7 mo. and 20 days.
Susan Wiser. Wife of Jacob Hegie. Died April 27, 1879. Aged 61 yrs. 5 mo. and 14 days.
Andrew M. Son of Jacob and Susan Hegie. Died June 5, 1884. Aged 27 yrs., 4 mo. and 13 days.
Jacob R. Hegie. 1845-1930. Company C., 67th Reg., PA Inf.
Mary A. Krugh Hegie. (Wife) 1845-1912.
Charles Bruce Hegie. October 30, 1870. August 9, 1923.
M. Jeannette Hegie. Wife of Charles Hoover. January 25, 1877. June 22, 1906.
Rose Hegie Hammond. Daughter of Jacob R. and Mary A. Hegie. August 25, 1887. March 29, 1919.
Martin F. Son of Jacob R. and Mary A. Hegie. Died September 23, 1887. Aged 19 yrs., 7 mo. and 17 days.
Elizabeth Hegie, wife of James Shields. February 2, 1852 - December 12, 1929.
Mary Hegie Runk. December 4, 1849 - June 18, 1926

HAGIE

Mary Ellen Kirwin 1888-1944. Wife of Arthur Hagie.

Freddie Kerstetter, 1944. Son of Albert and Rita Hegie Kerstetter.

William McGarvey. Died August 31, 1862.

BALLAS

Peter 1860-1939
Rosie 1871-1938
Thomas Holden. Died September 11, 1896. Aged 34 yrs., 29 days.
Edmond Holden. Died January 16, 1872. Aged 47 yrs.
Catherine. Wife of Edmond Holden. Died May 9, 1906. Aged 88 yrs.
Michael O. Son of John and Jane Holden. Died January 2, 1882. Aged 2 yrs., 4 mo. and 8 days.
David Holden. Died 1905. Aged 89 yrs.
Guy Zenobile. January 27, 1890. October 22, 1931.
Adalina. Daughter of Michel and Angelina Zenobile. June 1, 1918 - June 10, 1918.
Giovanni Zenobile
Antonia, his wife. Born January 1, 1857 in Camarda, Provincia Aguila, Italy. Died September 28, 1919.
Tony Zenobile. Nato 12 June 1916 - Morto October 20, 1922
John Zinoble. 1857-1926.
Clido Altobello. Nato August 13, 1927 - Morto September 5, 1930.
Pasquarosa Panepucci 1858-1926
David Battistella. Nato A. Camarda, Italia November 3, 1881. Morto January 19, 1929.

KRUGH

Joseph Krugh. Died March 19, 1903. Aged 60 yrs., 4 mo. and 8 days.
Mary Campbell Krugh. Died February 19, 1891. Aged 36 yrs., 4 mo. and 5 days.
James I. Krugh. 1877-1933.
Louise McMullen Krugh. 18778-1913. Wife of James Krugh.
Joseph Krugh. Son of James and Louise Krugh. 1910-1940.
Blanche Gabert Krugh. 1886-1922. Wife of William A. Krugh.
Clara. Daughter of William and Blanche Gabert Krugh. 1911. Aged 2 mo.
Charles H. Krugh. 1882 - 1930.
Martha R. Duaghter of John and Jane Krugh. June 2, 1898. July 16, 1916.
Augustus 1881 - 19??
Bertha Runk. (His wife)

McMULLEN

Ambrose McMullen 1879 - 1907
Anna Krugh McMullen, (His wife) 1880 - 1940
Anna McMullen, (their daughter) 1905.
Father - Charles O. McMath 1867 - 1907
Son - William J. McMath 1892-1908
Sons - John and Francis McMath 1906
Margaret. Daughter of Paul McMath. 1929
Samuel Elwood McMath 1861 - March 25, 1927

McMATH

William L. August 27, 1870 - December 8, 1942

Jacob William, Son - November 1, 1898 - February 20, 1920

Joseph Patrick, March 18, 1939 - May 29, 1939

Margaret Mary Fleming, April 13, 1932 - January 20, 1933. Daughter of J. Carl and Marcella McMath Fleming.

James B. Fleming. July 28, 1925 - January 16, 1945. Cpl. A.A.F. Mail Sec. WW II. Son of J. Carl and Marcella McMath Fleming

STARR

Henry Augustine, 1860 - 1935

Regina May McGarvey, (wife) 1862 - 1895

Anna May Ryan Starr, 1887 - 1943

Frances Starr Jones, 1858 - 1940

Samuel H. 1868 - 1929

Mary E. Crouse, 1873 - 19__

Martha A., daughter of S.H. and Mary Starr. Sept 12, 1899 - Sept. 13, 1900.

SPECK

John D., (son) 1884 - 18__

Matilda Laird, (mother) 1843 - 18__

John E., (father) 1843 - 1922

McCLAIN

Laura Speck. Died Nov. 14, 1931.

Joseph Repper. Born Nov. 2, 1841. Died Sept. 11, 1899

Elizabeth Laird. His wife. Died Sept. 26, 1915. Aged 76 years.

Harry J. Their son. Born March 31, 1877. Died April 5, 1899.

Edward M. Repper. 1881 - 1929.

Helen Repper. Daughter of Art and Annie Repper. 1897 - 1899.

Elizabeth Repper. (daughter) 1918 -1919.

Philip Repper. (son) 1922-1923.

Mary Repper Mitchell, 1897 - 1924.

Emma Madden Repper, 1876 - 1929.

Helen Repper

Dr. William T. James, 1866 - 1937.

Clarence Joseph James, 1894 - 1947. Son of Dr. W. T. and Minnie Repper James. Served in WW I and WW II.

Sylvester A. Doyle. Born Oct. 1, 1859. Died Aug. 1, 1908.

Augustine W. Doyle. Died Feb. 27, 1878. Aged 21 yrs., 7 mo., 8 days.

Gussie, Daughter of A. W. and A. M. Doyle. Died Dec. 12, 1878. Aged 1 yr., 2 mo., and 16 days.

CROUSE

David E. 1846 - 1928

Annastatia McMullen, (wife) 1842 - 1919

CHILCOTE

Rudolph M. 1877 - 1945

Margaret McMullen, (wife) 1874-19__

Charley, (son) 1905 - 1905

William, (son) 1909-1910

Annie, (daughter) 1914 - 1914

Cecelia, (daughter) 1917 - 1917

James McGrain, 1917 - 1917. Son of Arthur and Amanda McMullen McGrain.

PIPER

John A. 1852 - 1937

Mary E. Laird, (wife) 1848 - 1932

Thomas B. Son of John and Mary Piper, 1887 - 1923

Jerome Piper. 1925 - 1933. Son of C.J. and Julia Starr Piper.

Ralph J. Carothers, 1888 - 1942

NOBLE

L. Edmund 1894 - 1943

Grace E. Repper 1899 - 19__

Joseph T. Treimer 1869 - 1941

Margaret L. Daughter of Clarence and Dorothy Ergler. Nov. 21, 1934 - March 19, 1936

Mary Rosalie Doyle. Born Aug. 7, 1913. Died Apr. 8, 1914. Daughter of Herbert and Hilda Starr Doyle.

William J. Doyle. Born Nov. 15, 1918. Died Jan. 14, 1921. Son of Herbert and Hilda Starr Doyle.

Catherine. Died Dec. 23, 1882. Aged 7 yrs. and 22 days.

Annd F. Died July 15, 1881. Aged 1 yr., and 21 days. Daughters of M. and R. J. Breen.

James L. Devenney. Died Sept. 6, 1920. Aged 57 years.

NAMES FOUND IN THE OLD CEMETERY

Arthur Repper. 1871 - 1944

Annie Miller Repper, (wife) 1875 - 1929

William Laird. Born Nov. 10, 1812. Died Nov. 15, 1886.

Bridget Laird. (Wife) Born June 11, 1811. Died April 10, 1902.

Charles Laird 1845 - 1929. Co. 17, Penna. Infantry

Ellen Laird (wife) 1846 - 1927

Frederick S. Laird. Penna Pvt. 154 Depot Brig. Died March 22, 1938. Aged about 46 years.

Michael Starr (Stair). Died June 12, 1888. Aged 85 years.

Mary Hegie, wife of Michael Starr. Died March 10, 1855. Aged 58 years, 8 mo., and 25 days.

John M. Starr. Son of Michael and Mary Hegie Starr. Born Dec. 13, 1840. Died Dec. 28, 1864. Aged 24 yrs. 15 days.

Simon P. Starr. Son of Michael and Mary Hegie Starr. Died Dec. 12, 1867. Aged 37 yrs., 1 mo., 15 days.

Clara Krugh, wife of Michael Starr. March 21, 1836 - October 4, 1910.

John Galik. Died July 31, 1904. Aged 11 mo. 14 days.

Hugh L. Cook. Died June 19, 1867. Aged 59 yrs., 8 mo., 29 days.

Joseph Hagie. Born Nov. 29, 1812. Died July 5, 1864. Aged 51 yrs., 7 mo., 6 days. Civil War.

Jacob Hegie. Revolutionary Soldier. 1763-1842.

Margaret Hegie. Wife of Jacob Hegie. Died 1837, 68 yrs. old.

John Hagie. Died April 21, 1863. Aged 64 yrs., 4 mo., 19 days.

John A. Son of William and Margaret McMullen. Died May 4, 1854. Aged 2 mo. and 20 days.

Martha Daugherty. Died Jan. 8, 1851. Aged 7 yrs., 11 mo.

James Doyle. Died Nov. 10, 1853. Aged 14 yrs., 4 mo.

John B. Logan. Who departed this life April 16 ,1854. In the 45th year of his age.

Nancy Logan. Died Oct. 5, 1853. Aged 73 yrs., 1 mo., 25 days.

Daniel Logan. Died April 14, 1868. Aged about 54 years.

Hannah. Consort of Dennis B. Conner. Died Sept. 15, 1815. Aged 44 yrs., 10 mo., and 14 days.

Marriages

Groom	Bride	Date
Neuman, Alexandra	O'Connor, Catherine F.	Jan. 13, 1856
Starr, Michael	Krugh, Clara	Sept. 19, 1855
Harry, James	Malone, Helen	Jan. 21, 1864
McMullen, Joseph	Horton, Madalene	May 21, 1864
Giles, Jacob	Cook, Margaret	Jan. 25, 1866
Leaston, Samuel	Conrad, Marie	May 23, 1875
Piper, Deams (John) A.	Laird, Mary Alfreda	Nov. 25, 1875
Krugh, John	Mort, Jane	Feb. 23, 1879
McGarvey, Edward	Starr, Anna	Dec. 26, 1882
Starr, Augustine	McGarvey, Regina	Feb. 6, 1884
Holden, James	Nolan, Eugenia Jennie	Aug. 8, 1892
Starr, Samuel H.	Crouse, Mary	May 17, 1894
Holden, John	Cane, Nettie	Oct. 19, 1894
James, Dr. William	Repper, Minnie	Oct. 19, 1894
McMath, William L.	Starr, Mary Blanche	Apr. 13, 1896
Krugh, Augustine A.	Runk, Alice Bertha	June 24, 1903
Laird, Dominic	Kyler, Viola	Mar. 2, 1907
Starr, Andrew	McGrain, Dorothea	Apr. 8, 1907
Starr, Jacob	Ramsey, Mary Edith	July 4, 1910
Doyle, Charles	Bair, Flo	May 7, 1911
Doyle, Herbert	Starr, Hilda	June 19, 1912
Yonker, Joseph	Hegie, Martha Agatha	Nov. 12, 1912
Trimer, Joseph	Ergler, Martha L.	Jan. 28, 1913
Laird, Joseph	Duffy, Grace	July 14, 1913
Krugh, Louis	McMath, Margaret	May 6, 1913
Repper, Edward M.	Duffy, Minnie Blanche	Dec. 14, 1914
Piper, Chauncey J.	Starr, Julia C.	Nov. 5, 1916
McGarvey, Jesse A.	Van Zandt, Hazel F.	Nov. 14, 1916
Starr, Paul A.	McCartney, Helen C.	Aug. 10, 1918
Starr, J. Roy	McMath, Catherine	Apr. 23, 1919
Laird, Ralph	Price, Minnie	Nov. 26, 1919
Noble, Luther C.	Doyle, Frances B.	June 18, 1919
Noble, Luther Edmund	Repper, Grace Elizabeth	June 16, 1920
Crouse, Charles J.	Mason, Rose J.	Aug. 17, 1920
Crouse, David P.	Laird, Marie	Aug. 18, 1920
Tokar, Michael J.	Ballas, Julia	Feb. 14, 1922
Fleming, J. Carl	McMath, Marcella	Nov. 6, 1922
Primsar, Frank	Osaben, Josephine	June 18, 1927
McMath, Samuel J.	Werner, Camillus	Apr. 3, 1927
McConnell, James Edward	Hegie, Annie	June 11, 1930
McMullen, Jacob	Starr, Julia Regina	June 23, 1931
Ciarrocca, Angelo	Ciampa, Mary J.	Aug. 5, 1933
Ciampa, Anthony	Battistella, Zada	Aug. 25, 1934
Campbell, William F.	McGarvey, Helen	Sept. 22, 1934
Ciarocco, Emilio	Ciampa, Ekelena	Sept. 12, 1936
O'Donnell, Andrew Francis	Carothers, Elizabeth	Sept. 28, 1937
Battistella, Frank	Ciampa, Mary E.	Aug. 6, 1938
Ciampa, Diodado (Dean)	Battistella, Helen	Aug. 6, 1938
McMath, John Edward	Werner, Clara Marie	Dec. 30, 1939
McGarvey, Charles L.	Ciro, Ada Formiseni	Dec. 15, 1945
Drobnock, George	Zenobile, Rose	May 7, 1947

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